RICHMOND continued its impressive start to their 2024 campaign, defeating Carlton by 33 points last night at Ikon Park.

Tigers coach Ryan Ferguson was buoyed by his side’s efforts across each of the four quarters.

“I was pleased with consistency of the performance, started fast, knew it was going to be an armwrestle,” he said. “Carlton are really strong around the ball, high numbers around the ball, take pride in their contest and their defence, so we knew what we were in for.”

Ferguson added that a key to victory was the way his side adapted to the slippery conditions.

“I was really pleased with our fundamentals, particularly in the first quarter,” Ferguson said. “I think we were nice and strong over the ball. We knew adjusting to the conditions, taking a fraction more time to make sure our feet were strong. I was pleased with our ability to adjust to the slippery conditions tonight.”

Richmond’s fast ball movement that transitioned quickly allowed forwards such as Katie Brennan and Caitlin Greiser to have one-on-ones, but also play tempo football when Carlton’s defence was set, was important.

“On a night like this where it is a bit slippery, anytime you can get the ball to space forward to one on one’s forward,” Ferguson said. “At times where ‘KB’ and ‘G’ (Brennan and Greiser) were fighting two verse one. “As soon as they brought the ball to ground, then our support arrives.

“We wanted to have a balance of when to go fast and get to space but also when they have numbers back, where we need to be a bit more patient.

“I thought we found that balance reasonably well.”

With the Tigers having three great wins in a row, Ferguson believes his side has found form in the early stages of the season.

“This is a critical part of the season, multiple games really quickly,” he said. “In five days, we go again on Tuesday, we don’t get to enjoy this for too long. “It is important that we keep building on what we’re doing. It was a professional performance but there’s so much to get out of the game.

“Carlton gave us feedback in some areas that we need to get better at. We were very strong in some areas that we need to continue. “I do feel we’re at a building phase and we need to continue to build our game week by week.”